Meet Lisa Alford: The Unsung Hero Revolutionizing Science Education in the UK

Lisa Alford, a science coordinator and ambassador at Tonbridge School, has been awarded the Royal Society’s 2024 Hauksbee Award for her remarkable contributions to science education. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who play vital roles behind the scenes in scientific progress. Reflecting on her career, Lisa shared, "It’s easy to forget how much you’ve done until you look back."

Inspiring Science Through Communication

Having joined Tonbridge School as a trainee technician in 2009, Lisa discovered her passion for chemistry and pursued further education at the Open University. Her commitment to inspiring young minds led her to participate in outreach programs for underprivileged children. She expressed, "Helping them and making science fun and interesting was really rewarding."

In addition to her outreach work, she initiated the ‘Science Snippers: 4 Minutes to Win It!’ competition, encouraging students to present complex scientific topics creatively. This competition has gained immense popularity, involving hundreds of submissions from schools across London and the southeast.

Coordinating Chemistry

In 2014, Lisa became a Registered Science Technician at the Royal Society of Chemistry. Her expertise was put to the test when she oversaw the move to the new Barton Science Centre in 2019, a project that transformed the school’s science education facilities and has since served as a regional hub for workshops and public lectures.

Elevating Technicians

Lisa is passionate about uplifting her fellow technicians. She established the Science Technician Convention in 2023 to provide networking and training opportunities for technicians in southeast England. This event attracted 130 technicians from 60 schools, fostering a supportive community and offering practical resources.

Her efforts have been recognized as Tonbridge School became the first UK school to earn the title of Employer Champion with the Science Council, highlighting its commitment to technician development.

Looking Forward

With ongoing plans to expand her initiatives and raise the profile of technicians, Lisa remains dedicated to her mission. She emphasizes, "Without science technicians, you wouldn’t have practical work in the school setting or in the industry. We might be in the background, but we’re working hard."